YAG Reinforcement Preforms for CMCs

Foster Miller, Inc.

Waltham, MA

Single crystal YAG reinforcement preforms produced to net shape for CMC applications

• Single crystal YAG preforms produced in a range of YAG volume content, orientation, and porosity size
• Sapphire reinforcement preforms with similar architecture have produced alumina matrix CMCs with a high strength and an outstanding creep resistance at temperatures up to 1500°C in air

• US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has funded a $375K program to produce improved transparent armor
• The base oxide processing technology has other commercial applications in lighting products and industrial applications; being pursued through US DOE and commercial funding
• Two new jobs were created

• Applications under development for YAG reinforcement preforms include:
• Transparent armor for ground, sea and air vehicles
• IR windows for hypersonic missiles and re-entry vehicles
• Aircraft engine structures
• Thermal protection systems for re-entry vehicles.
• USSOCOM, US Air Force and US Navy, and their prime contractors, have provided $1.8M funding towards development of above applications
• US DOE and suppliers are funding development of energy efficient lighting products using the oxide manufacturing process

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